Before the internet was a thing the only two ways to get information were by remembering it (or remembering by proxy by asking somebody else) or checking a book. Since it was still impossible to lug around an entire library, schooling gave a large emphasis on memorization.

These days at least some university tier education has adapted to the model of just acquainting people with a concept quickly to the point where they can search for it when they need it. Most of the educational system still needs to catch up though.